Hip HOPPIN' Thursday with the Unity crew!

HAPPY THURSDAY!!!

I can't believe that this is the LAST Thursday of October... 

Next week is Halloween... and then GAH!!! 

Where does the time go?

I REALLY need to get my Christmas cards started!!!

(My hubby and I set up a 'production line' and make about 120 cards until like 2 in the morning 

for a couple of weeks straight)

Anyway, so excited that you're here!

Hello!

You should be arriving here from Shemaine's blog!

Make sure that you do go visit ALL the participating blogs today, 

because Unity is so generous and giving away 

$20 gift cards to the store for 3 winners from all the comments :)

Andrea Murdock - http://www.mystampingheaven.blogspot.com/

Eryn Hagen - http://vintageglamdesigns.blogspot.com/

Jen Erickson - http://shut-up-its-true.blogspot.com/

Jimmi Mayo - http://www.stampingwithjimmi.blogspot.com/

Karen Maldonado - http://reallifeinpictures.blogspot.com/

Lisa Henke - http://www.mylittlecreativeescape.blogspot.com/

Shemaine Smith - http://shemainesmith.blogspot.com/

Thienly Azim - http://modpaperie.blogspot.com/

So... I have a few things to share with you today...

The first one is actually a impromptu kinda project...

I really CRAVED shortbread cookies today...

(and no, I'm NOT pregnant. I'm done.)

and while I was making them, I thought... hey- 

the current Kit of the Month is FULL of gift giving stamps...

Why don't I just take that opportunity and make something out of it?

And... here's what I made!

It's simple but pretty, isn't it?

(ignore that blue chocolate one...

this is what happens when you don't wait for the cookies and chocolate to cool down...)

I think the stamps on the shimmer paper added to the look :)

and, I LOVE that snowflake...

it's from this weeks' file from SVG Cuts.

I've been asking Mary to make one of these since summer...

and of course, what she made is WAY better than anything that I've ever imagined!

It's an ornament file, but it makes a perfect embellishment on gifts (in place of a bow!)

So, I gifted this to MYSELF...

I wrapped it... and I opened it! HA!

I got the pleasure of giving and receiving! hehe...

The second project is a card which I made for my sister in law...

for her baby shower this weekend.

(Her first baby - so exciting!)

(I'm praying here... that she doesn't actually look at this post!

Ah, well, if she does, at least she doesn't know what gift she's getting! lol...)

I wasn't sure how this was going to turn out, but I love it!

The colors were muted and pastel, so I was worried about the pictures, too..

but that adorable lamb and the bear saved my day!

The stamps used here were:

KOM - LOVE in an INSTANT

precious little one.
Delight in the Little Things

...and the LAST, but not least, is a birthday card which I made for my mom in law.

It's her birthday today!

(See? I may be gifting myself, but I do also think about others! :) )

I've wanted to make one of these cards with the rays coming out of the center.

Using the EP Dots and Stripes papers, I think that it's a pretty fun birthday card!

The rays were cut using the file from the Silhouette store (pie charts) -

the angles and the sizes are calculated for you, so it's so easy!

The stamps are all from oh happy day - SUPER cute stamps!

I stitched all the pieces and I'm totally loving those wooden stars from Studio Calico, too!
Oooh, and you see that pretty red star flair button?
It's from Paper Play Studio!
Love that store!

Anyway, so Unity Stamp Company is celebrating their son's 15th birthday and their older son's amazing football season... (his number is 50).. so they are having a SALE!

This sale will not go live until noon CST.

Anyway, I won't keep you here any longer... 

because you're done this hop,

and it's time to enjoy your beautiful day!

Believe in Yourself - Unity Stamp Company and Paper Issues special hop!

I've been so excited about this day!

The two of the teams that I belong to (Unity Stamp Company and Paper Issues)
 have joined together to bring you this amazing hop

 to celebrate Paper Issues's new theme in style!

I hope that you have gotten a lot of inspiration already, since I'm the second last stop.

You should be coming over from Stephanie's blog.

Paper Issues blog:  http://paperissues.blogspot.com/

Corri Garza:  http://www.buglvr.blogspot.com/

Jen Albracht Erickson:  http://shut-up-its-true.blogspot.com/

Karen Maldonado:   http://www.reallifeinpictures.blogspot.com/

Mandy Kay Starner:   http://heyheymandykay.com/

Natalie Dever :   http://www.dougnat.blogspot.com/

Nina Yang:   http://waffleflower.com/

Renee Aslette:   http://reneeaslette.blogspot.com/

Shellye Procter McDaniel:   http://paperedcottage.blogspot.com/

Shilo Miles:   http://papermeetsglue.blogspot.com/

Stephanie Muzzulin:   http://handmade75.blogspot.com/

Thienly Azim:   http://modpaperie.blogspot.com/

Unity blog:  http://theunitystampco.blogspot.ca/2012/10/join-in-fun-over-at-paper-issues.html

For my project today, I had the opportunity

to play with a special kit that the Paper Issues was releasing today,

just PERFECTLY put together for this theme.

It's a Breast Cancer awareness month, so of course, we HAD to have the color PINK,

and decided to broaden the topic a bit to make it into a 'Believe in Yourself' theme.

Paper Issue's NEW theme starts today til Nov 3rd -
so, go link up any projects to do with above!

(How perfect fit is that with Unity stamps!)

So pretty, isn't it?

It has papers from MME The Sweetest Thing Honey line,

with bits and pieces of twine, washi,

buttons, clothespins, chipboard, trinket pins...

 and primrose Color Shine from Heidi Swapp

(which by the way makes the prettiest glitter mist!)

If you're interested in this kit -

it's available over at Paper Issues for $14,

and if you use the coupon: modpaperie

remember that you can get EVERYTHING 20% off! :)

I also had the opportunity of playing more with my favorite stamps. 

There were so many that I wanted to use,

but decided to concentrate on Donna Downey stamps. 

She makes the most absolutely BEAUTIFUL stamps -

her inspirational words and her flower images are stunning.

So... putting all this together...

I decided to make a decor for my project. 

I thought that it would be cool if I made the word 'BELIEVE'

and had each corresponding inspirational words stamped on each letter.

Of course, for this, it was so perfect to use the 3D Letters from SVG Cuts. 

I sized it down all to 8" wide.

...and this is how it came out!

It's a perfect thing to have it sitting on your shelf

to remind yourself EVERY DAY how anything can be real...

if you BELIEVE :)

I get sidetracked when I start embellishing.

 (I know most of my projects are very detailed but...)

I LOVE SIMPLE...

minimalism...

I think less says more.

That's why I named it mod paperie! (lol...)

 So, I decided to stick with LESS,

and I think that

it worked well here!

I added 3 colors of thin washi tape on the sides of each letter...

I originally had it plain,

but it was just too simple, and the letters didn't seem to stand out.

I like this better... fits well with the color theme, too!

I used several stamp sets here... all donna downey.;)

art & possibility

empowered words

Insightful Meadows

Unity Stamp Company is having a SALE this weekend,

so it's time to get all you want!

 Anyway, hope this was an inspiring project to you! :)

So, did you hear about the prizes involved here?

Unity Stamp Company is sponsoring Paper Issues this theme,

and giving away THREE prizes worth $50 EACH!

That's a great prize, isn't it?

All you need to do is...

1. Like Unity Stamp Company on FB

2. Like Paper Issues on FB
3. MUST comment on EACH of the participating blogs from the hop today.

4. Leave acomment that you did everything on Paper Issue's blog

5. Link up a project on Paper Issue's blog for a BONUS entry!

(and a chance for your projects to get featured!)

You're off to the VERY LAST stop - Unity Stamp Company's blog!

State Line Bag Co. WINNERS!!!

Hello!!!!

I'm gonna make this a VERY SHORT post... 

Just wanted to announce the WINNERS of 25 - 5 x 7 bags sponsored from State Line Bag Co.!

Thanks to all of you that left comment on my post - such warm comments and it's YOU that make my day!

It's YOU that keeps me craftin'!

Yes, there are going to be TWO winners?

(There have been two winners that I chose, and I have tried to contact them, but no reply...)

So, I'm choosing again!

Excited?

Drumroll please...

BarbOctober 16, 2012 1:16 PM

These little baggies are perfect...so pretty! Thanks for the chance to win!

 AND

jessicaOctober 15, 2012 5:35 PM

Your projects are amazing!! LOVE all the details, embellishments and gorgeous colors you used!!

LOVE these bags also!! Such a fun way to give a gift!

TFS and for the chance to win!!

jessica

chick-n-scrap.blogspot.com

Congratulations!!!

I will be contacting the winners tomorrow, but if you see this first - 

please e-mail me at thienly dot azim at gmail dot com with your mailing address, 

and will have the company directly send out these yummy bags to you!

Oh, and before I let you go - 

You have to see the new kit from SVG Cuts!!! 

It's AMAZING!!!

Christmas Ornaments SVG Kit!

Yep,

I know what I'm going to be doing this weekend!

So pretty, right?

Mary and Leo are just amazing, aren't they?

I feel so grateful to have the opportunity to play with these gorgeous files every week :)

Have a great day everyone!

Oh, and tomorrow - join me here on a Paper Issues/Unity Stamp Company hop!

Unity Stamp Company is sponsoring and will be giving out 3 prizes worth $50 each!!!

Trendy Twine Guest Designer: Halloween Cupcakes

* I have a giveaway for 25 cotton muslin bags ending tonight!
Comment here to win!

Hello all -
 Trendy Twine friends, SVG Cuts friends, Unity Stamp Company FWF friends...
I'm guest blogging for Trendy Twine blog today
and I'm super excited!
(and for my project today - I used products from all three of these companies,
so I'm spreading my love everywhere today!)

I love twine, especially Trendy Twine! 

They come out with the coolest color blends that NO OTHER companies make! 

It's so fun to be able to match your projects exactly with their perfect color combo!

Anyway, for my project - since they are featuring Orange Licorice twine this month 

AND running a Treats Packaging challenge, 

I couldn't resist but to make some Halloween cupcakes.  

No, I didn't go into my kitchen and make them... 

I'm not a good baker, 

and would rather keep those baking pictures to myself. :)

 I made them with paper using the most adorable 3D cupcake file from SVG Cuts, 

and decided to put a little 'twist' to it.
(Oooh, you know how I love twists...
just can't seem to make something the way it was supposed to be made!)

I sized down the cupcakes (8.00" wide) so that the bottom fits perfectly with the cupcake liners.
Kinda cuts down my work, too -
don't have to 'decorate' the bottom!

I covered them with BURLAP.

(oooh, yes, I LOVE burlap, and it's hard to NOT use them in my projects these days...)
This file is actually a box...
so it has a top (cupcake) and a bottom (liner).
I covered the top with two layers of burlap
(one layer would show through the bottom paper)
and wrapped it around and glued to the inside using hot glue gun.

Since it looks ugly on the inside,
I just simply glued the cupcake lid onto the bottom.

and used twine to make sprinkles and swirls... 

and of course, I had to add some orange metallic sprinkles and eyeball sprinkle ones, too... 

after all, it's Halloween!

Then, I made a custom box from this file (of course, from SVG Cuts!) to package these yummy treats!

With the box, I wanted to keep the look simple,

 so other than using Canvas Corp paper for the top of the box, 

I used background stamps (Worn Grid, and Distressed Dots) from Unity Stamp Company 

to 'decorate' the box.  

I also used Fright Night stamps to add odd bats here and there, 

and for the PERFECT label that I used for the top of the box.

For the measurement that I used for the box - 

Tamara (Happy Life, Crafty Wife) had already cut down the work for me, 

all you need to do it to go here.

See how cute it is to cut little pieces of twine to make it into a sprinkle?

And here... it's just glued down swirled twine, but looks so yummy!

(well, not so much when there's an icky spider on top!)

This one actually looks edible... 

I'd try this one.

... and this! 

Kinda tacky, but hey - 

it's fun, and it's Halloween!

Anything goes!

Oh, just wanted share this...

There's a SALE going on over at Unity!!!

I hope that you LOVED my project as much as my daughter did!
(It's currently sitting inside her toy kitchen oven...
baking...
and in few minutes,
she's gonna call me for a Halloween tea party!)



So, gotta go!
Wishing you a beautiful day!


( I decided to change my blog format to middle spacing...
do you like this better?
Is it easier to read for you?)

Kit of the Month Mondays with a GIVEAWAY from State Line Bags Co! :)

Hello all!

I have couple of little projects to share and ANOTHER giveaway! Whoo-hoo!

The first is a card that I made using the latest Kit of the Month(KOM) from Unity Stamp Company.  I'm totally in love with this kit - it has everything I need to make cute tags for all the holiday gifts.  It's very well thought out, and so fun to mix and match stamps in this kit! (If you're interested in KOM and want to know more about it - click here)

So, here's quick card I made using new Handmade Holiday papers from Simple Stories. I also just love this line - and can't wait to make more things with it!

See how cute these sentiments are?

The next up is a project I made using the last month' KOM.  I loved all the sewing notion stamps in there, and just had to use them on my cotton muslin bags from State Line Bag Co. again!

Here's the September KOM:

... and this is what I whipped up!

This is so simple, but I really LOVED how these came out! I just added a touch of stitching on each one, and who knew how these looked so plain just a few minutes ago!

This last bag was actually not from the KOM, but from one of the newer releases: Oh my darling. I thought that it fits with the style I was trying to achieve here :)

See how amazing it is to just simply stamp on these bags and totally customize it your own? I stamped and stitched here, but you can iron-on transfers of your favorite images, you can add ribbons and buttons to them, you can dye them to make them a different color... possibilities are endless!

Now, onto the giveaway!

I had a giveaway for these bags a while back, and the winner hasn't claimed her prize for 25 of 5x7 bags.
So.... I'm going to be picking a NEW winner here...

... the NEW winner (still chosen randomly from the comments received on this post) is...

KATOctober 3, 2012 11:22 AM

putting crafty to a 'whole new level'. love these little bags. i gotta get me some...well, maybe, a whole bunch!

Please e-mail me at thienly dot azim at gmail dot com with your mailing address by THIS Friday... Otherwise, you know what that means! I'll be picking ANOTHER winner! State Line Bag Co. will be directly mailing out the prize to you!

AND... I'm having ANOTHER GIVEAWAY of these fabulous bags here! A winner will receive 25 of 5x7 bags.

All you need to do is to COMMENT on THIS post by this Friday (19th) and will be picking a random winner on Saturday!

If you have a moment, go to State Line Bag Co. FB page and let them know I sent you, and how love these cotton muslin bags! :)

That's it!

Hope that you liked my goodies today - and thanks for coming by!

Spooky Cuties Candy Dish - an SVG Cuts DT project!

Happy Saturday!

A few days ago - my latest SVG Cuts project was shown, and I just haven't had time to make a post about it until now! I'm SO glad you came by - because I've got more close up shots and I think it's a simple but cute project to make.

For this project, on the SVG Cuts' blog - I have a step-by-step instructions on how to make this.  If you notice, this original file had a complete different look to it.  It had a silhouette of a pumpkin and a cat.  I had to 'delete' a portion of the file, and replace it with something else.  It uses 'back minus front' feature in eCAL and SCAL - which allows you to pretty much change a portion of the file and totally customize it into your own project!

Anyway, here was the project!

 I used My Mind'e Eye Mischievous collection (actually from last year) but still LOVE it! Love the colors and patterns in that line!





I love adding stuff onto wires and making the embellishments pop! I simply took a piece of wire, wound it onto a pen and voila! You have DIY spring! The other bats have a foam tape underneath, so it also 'pops!'



I love how these pumpkins look so innocent!



These cuties are off trick-or-treating! You see those little canvas bags? I just cut a little fish out of canvas, and tied the end to make it look like a bag! Love DIY embellishments! Totally adds that personal touch!



This ghost is also trick-or-treating, but not fair! Not only he can just 'fly' (the other cuties have to walk!) but he also has the BIGGEST bag! This bag was made by cutting out a little round canvas, bringing up all the edges, and tied with twine.

Oh, and do you see this spider button? I love that! You simply just thread through 4 pieces of twine through a button (the button should have 2 or 4 holes), add a face on the button and you've got a spider!

Love it? I love the little details that I've added, but it's hard to capture that in the overall shot.

To make this - all you need are two collections! Now, that NEVER happens with my projects. I get people commenting why I use so many kits and collections - and they have to buy so many before they can make that! Not this - it's only two!

It's the Midnight Jamboree SVG Kit and Spooky Cuties SVG Collection, and you're set! Then head over to the SVG Cuts' blog for detailed instructions and dimensions used!

If you make something inspired by my craft - please feel free to post onto my FB wall or SVG Cuts' wall to share! I'd love to see!

Oh, and did you see the latest kit? Happy Thanks SVG Kit - It's SOO CUTE! I love the little turkey box, 3D cornucopia (that would be pretty amazing to embellish that!), the pilgrim hat box (which is also great for Christmas as a Santa belt buckle!) and that little house place cards are my fave! I can't wait to play with them!

Go get yours while it's FREE with purchase of $9.98 or more! (coupon: FREEGIFT)

That's it for you today!

Have a beautiful weekend!

Dear Santa... - AUTHENTIQUE/UNITY Blog hop.

Happy Friday to all!

Thanks for stopping by here today - my blog is NOT a part of the actual Authentique Paper & Unity Stamp Co blog hop, but I have shared my project over on Unity blog today, and will be sharing it with my Friends with Flair girls ;)

I just HAD to play A BIT MORE with these gorgeous Authentique papers and stamps that I've received... and today, I'll be showcasing the Christmas stamps - Naughty or Nice with the Authentique Paper Christmas line: Festive.

With these stamps, I've created a TEA GIFT BOX back in July... so wanted to try something different.  I didn't use the Santa, 'Dear Santa' and the ornament tied to a finger stamps so wanted to create a project where I can use them!

So, I thought that it would be super cute to make a mailbox for Santa.  (Kids already asked me how I would send this to him... and my two younger unable to write looked confused as to what they were supposed to do. So I told them that they can cut out ads of whatever they want and stick it inside...)

I took the adorable MAILBOX file from SVG Cuts and embellished it with pretty Authentique things :)



Looks a little busy and may be hard to see the details here... that's why I have close up pics to show you!



I love how the paper wintergreens add so much to this project.



I had fun clustering these embellishments together... some are stamped images. Can you tell which one?



Here are the two sides:





...and the front flap even opens up!

Oh, look! There's even mail in there already!



The stamps I used here is from Naughty or Nice.

That's it! Make sure that you go through the hop today - as there's amazing prizes to be won!

Here's the hop list:

Authentique Blog- http://blog.authentiquepaper.com/

Angie Blom - http://www.angieblomdesigns.blogspot.com/

Loes DeGroot - http://www.2scrappingladiesfromthenorth.blogspot.com/

Lisa Arana - http://dahlhouse-designs.com

Natalie Dever - http://dougnat.blogspot.com/

Stephanie Muzzulin - http://www.handmade75.blogspot.com/

Janeen Shember - http://suburbngypsy.blogspot.com/

Andrea Murdock - http://www.mystampingheaven.blogspot.com/

JJ Sobey - http://1-goodthing.blogspot.com/

Unity Blog- http://theunitystampco.blogspot.com/

Don't forget to check out all the AUTHENTIQUE stamps over at the store. All AUTHENTIQUE stamps are marked down, along with many NEW RELEASES you won't want to miss!

Thanks for coming by - have yourself a beautiful weekend!